Meet 
Karen Smith -the Hen of the House
There’s a story behind Hen House Publishing.
Established in 2016, Hen House Publishing started because...
I lost my job. After working in marketing and administrative management for 25 years, I wasn’t ready to retire, but I dreaded going back into the corporate world. So, I decided to take my show on the road and build a freelance career in writing, editing, and page design—and I haven’t looked back.
Hen House Publishing takes professionalism with utmost seriousness. To maintain those high standards, I maintain memberships with the Editorial Freelancers Association, Authors Guild, and American Book Producers Association. I also invite you to visit my LinkedIn profile.
this is me!
I love art
my dog
The Story Behind Hen House Publishing
When I started publishing my own books, I joked that I wrote “chick lit.” “Chick” is slang for “woman,” and chicks grow up to be hens (also slang for “woman”). Being the only woman in a household of men, I designated myself the hen of the house.
And, yes, I also have chickens. Fresh eggs are wonderful!
As the publisher of my own books written under the pen name Holly Bargo, I originally intended Hen House Publishing to evolve into a traditional publishing company. That didn’t happen. Instead, I settled into providing publishing assistance, helping authors develop, improve, and publish their content.
Hen House Publishing is not a hybrid or subsidy publisher. Regardless of the services provided, you – the author – own your work. You hold the copyright. You get the royalties.
NO AI GUARANTEE. Hen House Publishing protects your intellectual property. No generative AI is used in any of the services provided.
Come Talk to Us at Our Events
Books and paintings.
Books only.
Books and paintings.
